Sandy & Paul Obester hosted the 2005 version of
the March Birthday Boys' celebration, assembling an amazing orchestration of
food, wine and friends.

Henry Moore took care of opening the Champagnes, starting with the 1993 Dom
Perignon.

Please notice the grin on the face of Amy Fitz-Jensen, a woman who was thrilled
to have parked her kids with a baby-sitter.

Jesper was mighty thrilled, too.

The setting sun cast some nice shadows.

Paul and Sandy enjoying some nibbles and bubbles. The second bottle of
bubbly, a Krug Champagne, was even more splendid.

Jonathan and Lucy made a splendid "torta" of Swiss Chard.

Meanwhile, the table was set and ready for some sit-down
dining.
But the sit-down portion of the evening was to follow the stand-up Tapas
Marathon!

Henry! Moore.

Sandy and Alexia.

Lucy and Jonathan made these little "vegetable rolls" which were
blasted in the wood-burning oven. A Garbanzo Bean "salad" was
also delightful with the Spanish white wines.

Paul put together a nice assortment of Spanish wines for the Tapas...A
wonderfully young Txakolina, a traditional white Rioja from the 1993 vintage
(yes...a 12 year old white which was mildly woodsy and delicious), Muga's 1995
Prado Enea, Lopez Heredia's 1985 Rioja and Castillo Ygay's 1975 Rioja.

Meanwhile, Bob tells Jonathan he gives a "Thumbs Up" to the movie
"Sideways."

Paul says "You snooze, you lose" so he's busy snagging some of the
early tapas.

Whisper says "I'm not snoozin' and I'm not losing."

Albondigas with Prado Enea 1995.
This was a dangerous combo!

Bob was the first to dive into the Bacaloa.

Camarones.

There were two platters of Mullet seasoned with orange and saffron.

As the Squab was roasting, Paul was busy putting some decadent touches on the
main course.

Paul had some toast "beds" onto which he slathered a tremendously
decadent Foie Gras mix.
We had numerous toasts this evening, but this was the richest of the bunch.

Jonathan and Lucy harvested some fresh green and purple asparagus shortly before
dinner.

Meanwhile, the birds were roosting and roasting.

Meanwhile, Henry and Alexia raided their cellar at home and brought:
1955 La Mission Haut Brion
1959 Margaux
1971 Haut Brion (as the back up bottle)

Henry!, knowing this to be a thirsty crowd, decanted all three!

Sandy had whipped up a wonderful Brut Rose & Lavender Sorbet in her sleep
the night before the party.
(Notice the careful color coordination between the sorbet and Sandy's attire.)

Amy was even drinking the La Mission from a spoon.

Henry tells Lucy "I know Amy drinks like a fish."

Paul presents the amazing plate of Squab and Asparagus.

The three Bordeaux wines were outstanding.

The 1955 La Mission showed nice tobacco-like notes and a cedary, woodsy
character. It still has a touch of tannin and nice acidity.
The 1959 Margaux was mildly floral with a hint of cedar box. It was
showing itself to be fully mature.
The 1971 Haut Brion was a bit herbal and tobacco-like. This wine was also
mature and showing a hint of cedar.
The Squab was amazingly decadent. Stuffed with Carnaroli rice and some
additional foie gras, since Paul subscribes to the notion "You can never
have too much foie gras."

Henry then opened the "jug" of Burgundy.
A 1983 Clos des Lambrays!

Amy was especially thrilled by the notion of a meat-less course and a magnum of
red wine.

Alexia took care of assembling some lovely cheeses, too.

Jonathan baked some breads, too.

The Cheese Whiz!

After this sumptuous feast, we adjourned to the sitting room for more decadence.
Jesper made a Frangipane to go with the 1955 Sauternes from Chteau Gilette.